The Future Doc Wilson: The Season of Hope and Renewal: Dissertation Proposal Submission
Update:
The Future Doc Wilson has submitted an updated proposal to her dissertation committee...
Stay tuned.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Mastering The 504 Plan
It is that time of year—parents start buying school supplies, putting overpriced sneakers on layaway and developing a new strategy for dealing with teachers, administrators and various other academic interveners, disguised as well meaning and caring purveyors of public school education.
So here is my Five Step Survival Guide to special education advocacy:
1.Have a building based plan. Many districts require special education services to go through a central office. If you can avoid this, by all means do. These people do not know you child, and only have his/her psychological testing, social work evaluations to go by. (Have you ever wondered how you would be described in an evaluation done by a perfect stranger asking you things you don’t tell you best friend?) While this snapshot may be clinically acceptable, it is only a snapshot—you child needs should be based on more than that. If you cannot avoid going through a central committee, still pursue an unofficial meeting with the building based team leader—it may be the speech, OT or PT. In the worst-case scenarios, someone is usually the carryover year to year, and is the de facto coordinator of special services.
2.Know your legal rights. Well meaning administrators and teachers tell parents so much bad, subjective and completely wrong information, its scary. Parents have been mandated to medicate children, allow aversive therapies (electro-shock), deny medication (insulin), etc. that is critical parents have a copy of the IDEA law, the 504 section of the ADA, and the mandatory guide to special education services, which is required (but seldom seen). Learn the appeals process, the grievance process, etc.
3.Know your legal options. There are lots of treatments, therapies and services that are available outside of the school district. Some health departments’ offer home based services to children at the pre-school stage, or children with serious medical conditions. Many health insurance plans cover speech, OT, PT. There are also services through the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities for children with less severe issues (respite, summer camp, special play groups, equipment rental, etc.) If you have to try to wrangle services form the school district, there are disability advocates through centers for independent living (CIL’s), VESID and other local disability rights organizations; let you finger do the walking through the Yellow Pages.
4.Get a second opinion. You child’s kindergarten teacher may know finger paints and nursery rhymes, but that does not apply to disabilities. Most teachers are not required to take any classes about disabilities, or any cognitive impairment. Those fortunate enough to be at a school with a minor or electives have a limited selection, and little or no practicum. Always get a psychological evaluation outside of your child’s home school. This local person never can give a truly unbiased assessment, when they have the feedback of peers, teachers, and building neighbors.
5.Develop your own plan. The Internet had leveled the playing field between parents and practioners. Anything you want to know about any issues, illness or disability is yours for the reading. Gather information, go the libraries and support groups, to bounce ideas around. Use parenting experience to document your child’s strengths, weaknesses, responses to stimuli, etc. This information should be distilled to a one page report to give to new teachers; share the long various with the building based special education/support services team.
Not everyone will value your level of preparation and knowing what you want, but one person will benefit—your child.
So here is my Five Step Survival Guide to special education advocacy:
1.Have a building based plan. Many districts require special education services to go through a central office. If you can avoid this, by all means do. These people do not know you child, and only have his/her psychological testing, social work evaluations to go by. (Have you ever wondered how you would be described in an evaluation done by a perfect stranger asking you things you don’t tell you best friend?) While this snapshot may be clinically acceptable, it is only a snapshot—you child needs should be based on more than that. If you cannot avoid going through a central committee, still pursue an unofficial meeting with the building based team leader—it may be the speech, OT or PT. In the worst-case scenarios, someone is usually the carryover year to year, and is the de facto coordinator of special services.
2.Know your legal rights. Well meaning administrators and teachers tell parents so much bad, subjective and completely wrong information, its scary. Parents have been mandated to medicate children, allow aversive therapies (electro-shock), deny medication (insulin), etc. that is critical parents have a copy of the IDEA law, the 504 section of the ADA, and the mandatory guide to special education services, which is required (but seldom seen). Learn the appeals process, the grievance process, etc.
3.Know your legal options. There are lots of treatments, therapies and services that are available outside of the school district. Some health departments’ offer home based services to children at the pre-school stage, or children with serious medical conditions. Many health insurance plans cover speech, OT, PT. There are also services through the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities for children with less severe issues (respite, summer camp, special play groups, equipment rental, etc.) If you have to try to wrangle services form the school district, there are disability advocates through centers for independent living (CIL’s), VESID and other local disability rights organizations; let you finger do the walking through the Yellow Pages.
4.Get a second opinion. You child’s kindergarten teacher may know finger paints and nursery rhymes, but that does not apply to disabilities. Most teachers are not required to take any classes about disabilities, or any cognitive impairment. Those fortunate enough to be at a school with a minor or electives have a limited selection, and little or no practicum. Always get a psychological evaluation outside of your child’s home school. This local person never can give a truly unbiased assessment, when they have the feedback of peers, teachers, and building neighbors.
5.Develop your own plan. The Internet had leveled the playing field between parents and practioners. Anything you want to know about any issues, illness or disability is yours for the reading. Gather information, go the libraries and support groups, to bounce ideas around. Use parenting experience to document your child’s strengths, weaknesses, responses to stimuli, etc. This information should be distilled to a one page report to give to new teachers; share the long various with the building based special education/support services team.
Not everyone will value your level of preparation and knowing what you want, but one person will benefit—your child.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Sing Amen, Somebody!
This is a day early, but tomorrow is the 16th anniversariy of the ADA. and I found this song, which would be nice to hum or pass along tomorrow. It is composed by the late husband Justin Dart, who worked so tirelessly and valiantly for passage of the
ADA and who was seated beside President George Bush at the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26,1990.
__________________________________________________________
Happy 16 ADA!
LEAD ON!
A tribute to you, the patriots of empowerment! A tribute to
your power!
Dedicated July 26, 2006, ADA 16th Anniversary
(Lyric- the words of Justin Dart, compiled by IDAR Dart,
adapted to the tune of Amen by Jester Hairston)
LEAD ON!
LEAD ON!
LEAD ON! LEAD ON! LEAD ON!
LIVE THE DREAM!
LEAD ON!
FIGHT FOR FREEDOM!
LEAD ON!
THE WORLD IS WATCHING!
LEAD ON! LEAD ON! LEAD ON!
NOWS THE TIME!
LEAD ON!
WE CAN WIN!
LEAD ON!
WE HAVE THE POWER!
LEAD ON! LEAD ON! LEAD ON!
LOVE FOR ALL!
LEAD ON!
HAVE THE VISION!
LEAD ON!
SAVE DEMOCRACY!
LEAD ON! LEAD ON! LEAD ON!
WE ARE ABLE!
LEAD ON!
TRUTH IN ACTION!
LEAD ON!
WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE
FOR ALL! LEAD ON! LEAD ON!
Let us use all our creativity to explode the truth in the face
of the nation.
- Justin Dart
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
The Doctoral Journey and the Search for GPS Mapper
Well, I still continue proposal revisions, and reserach in new directions around the emergence of grassroots leadership. Of late, my travels have taken me to the Motherland in search of provenance for the phrase "It takes a whole village to raise a child." I have also develed into the world of advanced geometry, trying to better understand triangulation.
Keeping in contact with my fellow doctoral travelers, through group lists have been helpful, reducing frustration and giving me perspective. While only half a handful have made it to proposal approval, it does provide hope.
Bioethics: a primer for academics on civil rights and open discourse
Here is my journalque entry of a protest I was involved in last week:
____________________
The morning of July 13th, 2006 started with a consistent wet rain drizzle covering the City of Albany NY. To support “Not Dead Yet”, a busload of Rochester activists traveled to the state’s capital to make their voices heard at the Alden March Bioethics Conference being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. They were joined by others from Binghamton, Albany, and the Chicago area.
At 10:00 AM, Bruce Darling greeted the Rochester ADAPTers as they disembarked from the bus. From the bus, the forty-plus activists ventured across the street to stay dry under the awnings of the Ten Eyck Building. A few staff and security appeared nervous, and inquired if the group was there to protest (perhaps at the Office of Disabilities, located in the building). However, the group was focused upon getting into the local cafeteria, to use the facilities and get something to eat. Around 11:30 AM, the group enjoyed hamburgers and fries. About an hour later the group gathered themselves, into a single line outside, to wait. The weather cooperated, as the rain finally stopped, and the sun heated up the city and the group.
At approximately 1:30 PM, the group, wearing a colorful array of T-ADAPT and Not Dead Yet T-shirts marched single filed up the steep hill of State Street, to their destination -- a side entrance of the hotel. Bruce Darling and Steven Drake led the way, as the group marched silently into the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Disability advocates such as Christie Willson and Frank Johnson, entered the building with determination, walking briskly in a tight formation, down a long hallway, past the conference registration tables, and right into Ballroom A. The group strode single file in front of the conference presenters, podium, and 6’ x 6’ Power Point projector screens, filling the front of the hall. At first conference attendees looked shocked. The group pulled out protest signs with slogans such as “Not Dead Yet”, “Democracy not Dictatorship”, “ADAPT” and perhaps most importantly “Nothing About Us Without Us!” Chris Hilderbrant led the group in a loud chant “NOTHING!! About us… without us!” The group chanted as loud as they possibly could.
The conference had not yet begun. While Frank Johnson was leading his section in a loud, spirited chant, Paul Recor and a few other advocates went through the conference room, to pass out flyers about the lack of involvement of the disability community in a conference about bioethics issues that so critically affect our community.
Half of the conference attendees seemed confused, leaving the room at a brisk pace. The other half of participants seemed unsure of whether to take the flyers, but the majority took them, to read and discuss with their neighboring conference attendees. Others approached the group to ask questions and find out more about the issues around disability rights. A few took out cell phones and began taking pictures and video streaming the events as they unfolded!
At one point a receptionist from the Crown Plaza tried to find the leader of the group in order to force the group out, but the advocates stayed focused and strong. Bruce Darling, Shelly Perrin Mike Volkman and Stephen Drake approached conference organizers, and became the negotiating team with the conference organizers.
As a result of their discussions, Stephen Drake was able to speak in front of the fully attending conference. As Bruce put it, “He actually became the Keynote Speaker for the conference!” Stephen spoke of the mission of NDY and how people with disabilities have been dismissed by both sides of the “cultural war”. He gave personal examples of how people with disabilities are critically affected by bioethics issues, including the story of Rochesterian Joe Bonomo and the difficulty he had getting his own doctor to serve him at home after he had his series of strokes.
Stephen also shared other examples including the story of a 4 year-old girl with autism who was murdered by her mother. Instead of sympathy being garnered for the murdered girl, the media empathized with the mother whom killed her! That is why the disability community needs to have its voice heard at the bioethics table.
When Stephen ended his speech, he was met by powerful applause followed by contemplative silence. The activists slowly made their way outside as the conference recessed for a short period. Stephen Drake was invited to stay but elected to leave with rest of the group. A numbers of attendees came forward express their support of the action; other conference attendees asked group members more about why we were here. We left them with flyers and information and website links that would helpful be insightful.
Q: So, what does a group of disability rights advocates do in Albany, New York when it is only 2:30 PM and the bus home does not leave until 6 o’clock?
A: Go somewhere else to advocate!
After success at the Bioethics Conference, the group decided to pay a visit to Bob Sherman, from the Long Term Care Restructuring project, who is working on a “mega-waiver”. Chris Hilderbrant and the crew walked the distance from the Crowne Plaza past the Capital, up the mighty hill, to 99 Washington Avenue, also known as One Commerce Plaza. The crew entered the plaza and, in small groups, went up to the eighth floor.
We were headed to the office because just the day before Bruce had participated in an Advisory Group meeting about the waiver. Bruce was deeply concerned because it was clear that the waiver was being designed to meet the needs of various groups, like the counties and provider agencies, but that the needs of consumers, particularly those with the most significant disabilities, were being overlooked.
Once situated, Bruce called Bob Sherman, the head of the Long Term Restructuring initiative to see if he would come out and talk to the group. Bob asked how many people were with Bruce. Bruce replied, “about 40.” Bob retorted, “Really Bruce, how many people are there?” Bruce held the phone out and asked everyone to say “hi” to Bob. The crowd shouted back “Hi, Bob!”
Bob told Bruce he would be right out.
When he came out his office, you could see the awe in his face gathering us all in, and having to listen real stories about the importance of personal care. Bob Sherman promised the group that if we scheduled a formal meeting, he would attend to listen even more.
To finish off their trip to One Commerce Plaza, the gang went down the hall to visit Melanie Shaw, the Executive Director of the New York Association of Independent Living. The group thanked Melanie and her assistant Nell Brady for their support and the good work they do.
The group also reminded Melanie that the Center for Disability Rights was the only Center NOT to get any of the $1 million in state independent living funds. In fact CDR get NO state funding. Frank told Melanie, “We’re getting hammered. It’s just wrong.” She pointed out that the Association supported CDR getting funds and agreed to continue to work on it!
The group made their way back to the lobby and was able to get snacks and drinks from a near-by market and Dunkin Donuts. The bus finally came about and the Rochester crew was on their way home. We arrived in Rochester at an early 8:30 PM.
It was a LONG day for Rochester activists, but it was very successful! It demonstrated the power people can have if they want to make their voices heard. By the way, that’s “power” spelled A - D - A - P - T!
____________________
The morning of July 13th, 2006 started with a consistent wet rain drizzle covering the City of Albany NY. To support “Not Dead Yet”, a busload of Rochester activists traveled to the state’s capital to make their voices heard at the Alden March Bioethics Conference being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. They were joined by others from Binghamton, Albany, and the Chicago area.
At 10:00 AM, Bruce Darling greeted the Rochester ADAPTers as they disembarked from the bus. From the bus, the forty-plus activists ventured across the street to stay dry under the awnings of the Ten Eyck Building. A few staff and security appeared nervous, and inquired if the group was there to protest (perhaps at the Office of Disabilities, located in the building). However, the group was focused upon getting into the local cafeteria, to use the facilities and get something to eat. Around 11:30 AM, the group enjoyed hamburgers and fries. About an hour later the group gathered themselves, into a single line outside, to wait. The weather cooperated, as the rain finally stopped, and the sun heated up the city and the group.
At approximately 1:30 PM, the group, wearing a colorful array of T-ADAPT and Not Dead Yet T-shirts marched single filed up the steep hill of State Street, to their destination -- a side entrance of the hotel. Bruce Darling and Steven Drake led the way, as the group marched silently into the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Disability advocates such as Christie Willson and Frank Johnson, entered the building with determination, walking briskly in a tight formation, down a long hallway, past the conference registration tables, and right into Ballroom A. The group strode single file in front of the conference presenters, podium, and 6’ x 6’ Power Point projector screens, filling the front of the hall. At first conference attendees looked shocked. The group pulled out protest signs with slogans such as “Not Dead Yet”, “Democracy not Dictatorship”, “ADAPT” and perhaps most importantly “Nothing About Us Without Us!” Chris Hilderbrant led the group in a loud chant “NOTHING!! About us… without us!” The group chanted as loud as they possibly could.
The conference had not yet begun. While Frank Johnson was leading his section in a loud, spirited chant, Paul Recor and a few other advocates went through the conference room, to pass out flyers about the lack of involvement of the disability community in a conference about bioethics issues that so critically affect our community.
Half of the conference attendees seemed confused, leaving the room at a brisk pace. The other half of participants seemed unsure of whether to take the flyers, but the majority took them, to read and discuss with their neighboring conference attendees. Others approached the group to ask questions and find out more about the issues around disability rights. A few took out cell phones and began taking pictures and video streaming the events as they unfolded!
At one point a receptionist from the Crown Plaza tried to find the leader of the group in order to force the group out, but the advocates stayed focused and strong. Bruce Darling, Shelly Perrin Mike Volkman and Stephen Drake approached conference organizers, and became the negotiating team with the conference organizers.
As a result of their discussions, Stephen Drake was able to speak in front of the fully attending conference. As Bruce put it, “He actually became the Keynote Speaker for the conference!” Stephen spoke of the mission of NDY and how people with disabilities have been dismissed by both sides of the “cultural war”. He gave personal examples of how people with disabilities are critically affected by bioethics issues, including the story of Rochesterian Joe Bonomo and the difficulty he had getting his own doctor to serve him at home after he had his series of strokes.
Stephen also shared other examples including the story of a 4 year-old girl with autism who was murdered by her mother. Instead of sympathy being garnered for the murdered girl, the media empathized with the mother whom killed her! That is why the disability community needs to have its voice heard at the bioethics table.
When Stephen ended his speech, he was met by powerful applause followed by contemplative silence. The activists slowly made their way outside as the conference recessed for a short period. Stephen Drake was invited to stay but elected to leave with rest of the group. A numbers of attendees came forward express their support of the action; other conference attendees asked group members more about why we were here. We left them with flyers and information and website links that would helpful be insightful.
Q: So, what does a group of disability rights advocates do in Albany, New York when it is only 2:30 PM and the bus home does not leave until 6 o’clock?
A: Go somewhere else to advocate!
After success at the Bioethics Conference, the group decided to pay a visit to Bob Sherman, from the Long Term Care Restructuring project, who is working on a “mega-waiver”. Chris Hilderbrant and the crew walked the distance from the Crowne Plaza past the Capital, up the mighty hill, to 99 Washington Avenue, also known as One Commerce Plaza. The crew entered the plaza and, in small groups, went up to the eighth floor.
We were headed to the office because just the day before Bruce had participated in an Advisory Group meeting about the waiver. Bruce was deeply concerned because it was clear that the waiver was being designed to meet the needs of various groups, like the counties and provider agencies, but that the needs of consumers, particularly those with the most significant disabilities, were being overlooked.
Once situated, Bruce called Bob Sherman, the head of the Long Term Restructuring initiative to see if he would come out and talk to the group. Bob asked how many people were with Bruce. Bruce replied, “about 40.” Bob retorted, “Really Bruce, how many people are there?” Bruce held the phone out and asked everyone to say “hi” to Bob. The crowd shouted back “Hi, Bob!”
Bob told Bruce he would be right out.
When he came out his office, you could see the awe in his face gathering us all in, and having to listen real stories about the importance of personal care. Bob Sherman promised the group that if we scheduled a formal meeting, he would attend to listen even more.
To finish off their trip to One Commerce Plaza, the gang went down the hall to visit Melanie Shaw, the Executive Director of the New York Association of Independent Living. The group thanked Melanie and her assistant Nell Brady for their support and the good work they do.
The group also reminded Melanie that the Center for Disability Rights was the only Center NOT to get any of the $1 million in state independent living funds. In fact CDR get NO state funding. Frank told Melanie, “We’re getting hammered. It’s just wrong.” She pointed out that the Association supported CDR getting funds and agreed to continue to work on it!
The group made their way back to the lobby and was able to get snacks and drinks from a near-by market and Dunkin Donuts. The bus finally came about and the Rochester crew was on their way home. We arrived in Rochester at an early 8:30 PM.
It was a LONG day for Rochester activists, but it was very successful! It demonstrated the power people can have if they want to make their voices heard. By the way, that’s “power” spelled A - D - A - P - T!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
What a Wonderful World
My oldest son has received his first paycheck, from his first job! He is quite prooud of himself, as am I, having grovelled, beggged to get him his shot.
But as he is singing Louie Armstong's "What a Wonderful World" in the home office, it is well worth it...
But as he is singing Louie Armstong's "What a Wonderful World" in the home office, it is well worth it...
Monday, July 10, 2006
"The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic
The Community Consortium has just completed a website and a traveling exhibit entitled "The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic," based on research into the lives of people whose suitcases were found in an abandoned attic at Willard Psychiatric Center in New York State. The website and exhibit present the lives of the suitcase owners in all their richness and complexity, and examine the history of psychiatric institutions during the early-mid 20th century through the eyes of those who spent decades within their walls.
The website is at www.SuitcaseExhibit.org and information about the traveling exhibit is at http://www.exhibitionalliance.org/documents/48.doc
Thanks,
Darby Penney
for the Community Consortium
********************************
This is a very moving and informative exhibit. It shows how far we have come as a society, and how far we have yet to go, when it comes to mental health stigma and treatment.
The website is at www.SuitcaseExhibit.org and information about the traveling exhibit is at http://www.exhibitionalliance.org/documents/48.doc
Thanks,
Darby Penney
for the Community Consortium
********************************
This is a very moving and informative exhibit. It shows how far we have come as a society, and how far we have yet to go, when it comes to mental health stigma and treatment.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Professional Despair
My proposal has not been approved by the academic review board.Sigh...
I know I was told that they NEVER approve someone the FIRST time...Sigh...
Yet, I am sad and despondent. This picture is a great metaphor though..I am going through a bad patch, but I am still moving, and can look stylish, professional and well turned out.And yeah though I watch through the Valley of Death...
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Loosing Momentum...I think I need a Pepsy
I am well on the way to chapter four of my dissertation:
I have my note cards for Grounded theorizing,
I have my data categorized, with section tabs, in specific binders
I have drafts of my proposal on CD, thumb drivers and my PC and laptop
I have seminal reference texts...
But I am alone and tired...
I am missing the interaction of the group for meetings, chatroom discussions, IM cross conversations...sigh.
I have been looking at the sculpture of Susan B. and Frederick Douglass entitled "Let's Have Tea" by Pepsy Kettavong. I have gone and seen it in person, several times, and it motivates me. I am hoping to meet with him to get permission to use it for a metaphorical imagery in my research.
Metaphors motivate me. (Three M's...oooh!)
Friday, June 23, 2006
Welcome to the Summer Solstice
I wanted to share this lovely photo from Diary of a Goldfish
As the summer season officially begins, and we are the closest to the Sun we will be all year, I could not think of a better way to reflect and show appreciation and joy for life, love and my son passing Living Environment (9th grade science). Enjoy the time on the porch, back stoop, 3rd story walk up window or fire escape.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
The Season of Hope and Renewal: Dissertation Proposal Submission
I have submitted my proposal and it has passed muster with the forms review of A.B. It has been sent onto the Academic Review Board-- I must wait up to fourteen [14] days for a dispensation.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11.......
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11.......
Monday, June 05, 2006
The Season of Doom and despair
This doctoral journey can be compared to a rollercoaster ride, or a the experience of bipolar disorder, without the personal chemistry.
I achieved committee approval of my proposal, only to be tormented in new, and creative ways by the ARB process. I have submitted by proposal packet four, count them, four times to the forms review chick.
Ways to thwart the Doctoral Student in the ARB Process
1. DO NOT tell them what is required on the forms
2. DO NOT explain how to subscribe to the newsgroups to submit a proposal packet.
3. When documents do not meet standards, do not tell the student why they are deficient.
4. Do not send any helpful information in writing.
5. When a student calls, do not provide any information, unless directly asked.
The further I go in the process, the more I understand why doctoral students:
1. Get depressed
2. Get manic
3. Quit.
The Future Doc Wilson: Occam's Razor or the Law of Averages?
Occam's Razor Cuts Like a Knife
I have met my Waterloo. I have now submitted by proposal application packet to the University Academic Review chick FOUR times. Yes, count them, four. You ask why, gentle reader? That is because there are sand traps, quick sand and sinking sand all along the way. This is the desert of Forms Review. (No one tells you about this part, alas and alack.) This is now this game is played:
1. Require items you do not tell the student about.
2. When the student omits something, do not tell them
what is it, only that they are missing something.
3. Do not put anything that may be helpful in writing.
4. Make them call for clarification.
The Future Doc Wilson: Occam's Razor or the Law of Averages?what it is
I have met my Waterloo. I have now submitted by proposal application packet to the University Academic Review chick FOUR times. Yes, count them, four. You ask why, gentle reader? That is because there are sand traps, quick sand and sinking sand all along the way. This is the desert of Forms Review. (No one tells you about this part, alas and alack.) This is now this game is played:
1. Require items you do not tell the student about.
2. When the student omits something, do not tell them
what is it, only that they are missing something.
3. Do not put anything that may be helpful in writing.
4. Make them call for clarification.
The Future Doc Wilson: Occam's Razor or the Law of Averages?what it is
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Fight the Power, Part XX..
As an Advocate, one must be ever vigillant, because Big Brother and Uncle Sam will always try to pull a fast one...
__________________________
Action Alert: CMS Trying to Change the Rules for the Nursing Home Waiver!
Background
New York State has prepared an application for the Nursing Home Diversion Waiver Program. This program, based upon funding structure and regulations of other community based waiver program, allows a livable monthly income for spouses of individuals receiving community-based waiver services. Now, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) want to change the rules, which would force people to choose between a sub-poverty standard of living, or placing their spouse in a nursing home! We need to send a message to the Directors of CMS not to change the rules!
Action
1. Follow this hyperlink to CDR's website http://capwiz.com/rochestercdr/issues/alert/?alertid=8788736&type=CU&azip=14609&bzip=4115&show_alert=1
2. Go to Nursing Home Waiver in Jeopardy. Press the Take Action button.
3. Type your name and address in the blank boxes.
4. Send this message to a friend!
It is VERY IMPORTANT that the disability and senior communities, and those who care about seniors and people with disabilities take action on this critical issue!
_______________________
It is the song that never ends
And it goes on and on my friends...
__________________________
Action Alert: CMS Trying to Change the Rules for the Nursing Home Waiver!
Background
New York State has prepared an application for the Nursing Home Diversion Waiver Program. This program, based upon funding structure and regulations of other community based waiver program, allows a livable monthly income for spouses of individuals receiving community-based waiver services. Now, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) want to change the rules, which would force people to choose between a sub-poverty standard of living, or placing their spouse in a nursing home! We need to send a message to the Directors of CMS not to change the rules!
Action
1. Follow this hyperlink to CDR's website http://capwiz.com/rochestercdr/issues/alert/?alertid=8788736&type=CU&azip=14609&bzip=4115&show_alert=1
2. Go to Nursing Home Waiver in Jeopardy. Press the Take Action button.
3. Type your name and address in the blank boxes.
4. Send this message to a friend!
It is VERY IMPORTANT that the disability and senior communities, and those who care about seniors and people with disabilities take action on this critical issue!
_______________________
It is the song that never ends
And it goes on and on my friends...
Monday, May 22, 2006
Where Universes Intersect...
As I review my blog postings to date, I wonder what someone browsing this would think? SO many different threads, that seem unrelated...
But I have found a point where the lines of academia and advocacy intersect...
I was reading the Ragged Edge, BAADD Stories and came across a posting that was not too unususal: where is the commitment to advocacy, civil rights and social protest?
Here is the response I posted:
_________________________________
The core issue is what I am calling grassroots leadership. In my studies of leadership emergence, I am thinking it crops up like strawberries. They can be planted, and take root, but do not bear fruit for three years after planting. Strawberry plants are also very susceptible to frost, cold and harsh winters, and can die off easily. New leadership is a lot like strawberries. There is a need some someone to be planting new plants (IL leaders) tending to them through the harsh weather (funding challenges, discrimination and institutional racism) that kills off many plants (promising people quit or give up). I am studying Frederick Douglass, and Susan B. Anthony around this topic, but I think it will be applicable to a variety of social activism movements, including IL. We tend to put those who take those big risks integrating public transit, creating access, changing legislation, etc. as BIGGER THAN LIFE. We forget they started with no tools, skills, or training in the issues, like a spindly strawberry plant in the Home Depot or Builder's Square. Someone had to nurture, feed, and tend to them over time, to product the strong, effective leaders we see.
SO all need to get a trowel, a watering can and help tend to some plant; they may be the next leader to take disability rights to the next level.
__________________
If you wait long enough, and keep a sharp eye out, all roads lead to Rome.
But I have found a point where the lines of academia and advocacy intersect...
I was reading the Ragged Edge, BAADD Stories and came across a posting that was not too unususal: where is the commitment to advocacy, civil rights and social protest?
Here is the response I posted:
_________________________________
The core issue is what I am calling grassroots leadership. In my studies of leadership emergence, I am thinking it crops up like strawberries. They can be planted, and take root, but do not bear fruit for three years after planting. Strawberry plants are also very susceptible to frost, cold and harsh winters, and can die off easily. New leadership is a lot like strawberries. There is a need some someone to be planting new plants (IL leaders) tending to them through the harsh weather (funding challenges, discrimination and institutional racism) that kills off many plants (promising people quit or give up). I am studying Frederick Douglass, and Susan B. Anthony around this topic, but I think it will be applicable to a variety of social activism movements, including IL. We tend to put those who take those big risks integrating public transit, creating access, changing legislation, etc. as BIGGER THAN LIFE. We forget they started with no tools, skills, or training in the issues, like a spindly strawberry plant in the Home Depot or Builder's Square. Someone had to nurture, feed, and tend to them over time, to product the strong, effective leaders we see.
SO all need to get a trowel, a watering can and help tend to some plant; they may be the next leader to take disability rights to the next level.
__________________
If you wait long enough, and keep a sharp eye out, all roads lead to Rome.
Occam's Razor or the Law of Averages?
I have wondered why how my Doctoral journey has managed to avoid major obstacles and drama. Well, life, time or something has caught up with me.
My doctoral committee is why one approved member. So, I now have to wait for the University to go through their mysterious alchemy, to select/approve/bless one of the two candidates I have presented. (So what if I did all of this last year? Why should that count for anything?)
I still have to suffer through an irony of having all four members of the committee approve my proposal, but be unable to submit it, because I do not have three official committee members, only two.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
The Season of Hope and Renewal: Dissertation Proposal Resubmission
The Season of Hope and Renewal: Dissertation Proposal Resubmission
One of the things about Spring that people love is the idea of renewal. As the grass, shrubs, and flowers come into full bloom, we feel refreshed, energetic and optimistic at another round of possibilities.
So, I have sent off my proposal – for another round of review. I am optimistic that this may be the final or second to final review by my committee. I await the response of He Who Shall Not be Named. Pending his approval, I can then move forward.
One of the things about Spring that people love is the idea of renewal. As the grass, shrubs, and flowers come into full bloom, we feel refreshed, energetic and optimistic at another round of possibilities.
So, I have sent off my proposal – for another round of review. I am optimistic that this may be the final or second to final review by my committee. I await the response of He Who Shall Not be Named. Pending his approval, I can then move forward.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
technical glitches
As I continue to master the fine art of blogging, I have wasted an obscene about of time trying to import pictures from the web!!! Why is this so difficult? Is my learning curve turning into a plateaeu?
Motivational Frogs
This is a great allegory, used by Barb Forgione in a learning tool on personal motivation. We so often let others steal our air, metaphorically, as we strive to attain goals and objectives. We have to keep our eyes on the prize, and be strong, focused and undetermined.
http://www.lacanadvocates.org/pdf/motivational-frogs.pdf
As a doctoral student/candidate, I know this all too well.
http://www.lacanadvocates.org/pdf/motivational-frogs.pdf
As a doctoral student/candidate, I know this all too well.
On Frederick Douglass and other musings..
I await my feedback from my de facto doctoral chair-- He Whom Shall Not Be Named-- as I ready myself for what shall surely be my fifth round of proposal corrections. In the mean time, being one who is on a mission to finish by September or in the words of Tony Bennett, ABD (All By December) I push onto transcribing key Frederick Douglass speeches I seek to analyze. If my dissertation does not become a sensation, at least I can say I contributed to the body of knowledge by transcribing Douglass' longest speech into Microsoft Word!
Each time I read Douglass speeches, his various biographies, writings and publications, I am humbled.
Each time I read Douglass speeches, his various biographies, writings and publications, I am humbled.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)