Celebrating Disability Awareness Month; The Possibilities That The Hive Presents People With Disabilities Are Something To Look Forward To

 Hi guys, it’s your friendly neighborhood super-advocate, Jay, back again with another blog post. I have written quite a few in the last month. I want to express my gratitude for your overwhelming support of not only my writing but, perhaps more significantly, I wish to thank you for your continued support of issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities. You constantly inspire me to come up with new content and have reassured me that this blog does make a difference.

 

Today, I thought it would be appropriate to write a post in honor of Disability Awareness Month. Anyone who has been following the blog as of late will remember that a few years ago, I wrote a piece for Florida Self Advocacy Central and reposted it here. The blog focused on an organization known as The Hive Inclusive Community in Tampa, Florida, which is currently set to open in late 2025. The mission of The Hive, according to their website, is “to foster inclusive communities where every member can grow, find purpose, and thrive.” The hive is the brainchild of one very passionate ally of people with disabilities, Tonya Whitlock. Ms. Whitlock was inspired to create The Hive by her son Trace. Trace is 29 years old and has a form of Cerebral Palsy. Although he cannot communicate in the traditional way most people do, he has a large voice and a lot to say. He does so by using a communication board. Ms. Whitlock became frustrated with the lack of services that people with disabilities have after they graduate high school in the United States. Her vision is to create a community for people with varying abilities, including those with “disabilities.”

 

I am honored to be on the board of The Hive and play a small role in helping Ms. Whitlock’s dream become a reality. The Hive has a long way to go to reach its goal of opening in 2025, but we are well on our way. Recently we held two fundraisers, the first of which was mildly successful. We had even greater success with the second event, a musical bingo night at a local brewery in Tampa. As community engagement increases, I am confident that The Hive will exceed Ms. Whitlock’s expectations. I am honored to consider her a colleague but, more importantly, a friend.

 

For those of you who want to learn more information about The Hive, please visit their website at:  https://theinclusivehive.org/

 

I know this was fairly short, but there will be more awesome disability content coming tomorrow or the next day.

 

Bye for now,

Jay

 

CRPD

       As the 11-month of the year begins, we also mark the end of a month-long celebration. October was Disability Awareness Month. Disability Awareness Month is designed to acknowledge all forms of disability, everything from emotional and behavioral to mental and physical. My university recently even did an exhibit entitled “Allies for Inclusion: The Ability Exhibit.” This consisted of a variety of stations at which visitors could experience an aspect of being disabled. In October, the events that were held throughout the country demonstrated a great effort in the disability community to bring awareness to an often forgotten minority. However, there is a much greater task at hand.
       Rarely do I call my readers to action, but this time I am asking you to read what follows and use your political voice to make a difference. On November 5^th and 12^th, your voice can be heard. The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is holding hearings on whether or not to ratify a treaty for persons with disabilities. The treaty is known as the “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” an international treaty that needs the United States’ support. On December 5^th, 2012, it only fell five votes short of a supermajority known as ratification. As these Senate hearings approach, I urge you to not only email your Senators but also place a phone call to their offices. To re-affirm your support for people with disabilities. 
       Why I should support the CRPD:

·      57 million Americans with Disabilities

·      5.5. Million disabled American Veterans

·      1 billion people worldwide

·      Would be joining supporters such as significant faith groups, the Chamber of Commerce, American Association of People with Disabilities, and many other groups in America/Worldwide.

·      No additional cost to the American taxpayer.

·       the treaty has been reviewed by Republican and Democratic Attorneys General and by past Counsel to Presidents. They confirm that it does not threaten the sovereignty of the U.S., nor does it require any new legislation to comply with the treaty.

· Disabled individuals can contribute and be functioning members of society. As well as being suitable for American commerce. 

If you still need a little bit more background, then here is the history of the CRPD. The CRPD was first pushed forward by Mexico and then taken charge of by the country of New Zealand. For the first time in its history, the U.S. is not at the forefront of an International Movement, but it is late to the party.
       For a country with such sweeping legislation (such as the American with Disabilities Act), it is a shame that the CRPD already has 158 signatories, and the U.S. is not on the list. Please support the CRPD so that the American Disability Rights Movement can be heard in the 21^st century and not just known for something done over two decades ago.

 

 

 

 

Footnotes:

1.)http://power.aapd.com/site/Calendar?id=100081&view=Detail